" wrote:

I've seen the ads on tv that say you can record tv on your computer
with Vista. I have a laptop with vista, but I would need to buy a tv
tuner.

My desktop can with a tv tuner which I have never used. I'd like to
try it first since I already have the hardware, and the desktop stays
on most of the time anyway. But what software do I need to use? As far
as I can windows media center only works with vista, and I don't want
to upgrade my desktop to vista. I would also assume that the previous
owner, who installed the tv tuner, must have watched tv on this
computer.

What software should I be looking for?

Hello,
If the tv tuner card is installed. check the back of the computer for a
connection.
This should be a tv type male cable connection.
If there then you do have a tv tuner installed.
Look in "device manager" for the installed device to retrive the name.
Next find the software, which may be installed, if not then with the name of
the
tuner card go to the company site and search for drivers for that card.
It may take several attemps to install the proper driver for the install card.
Next connect the card to a over the air antenna or a cable tv connection.
The older tv tuner cards recording ability is limited in terms of quality.
This is recording as opposed to viewing the tv signal.
Viewing tv on the computer screen should be as good as the imput from the
service used and the tuner card.
The other way to view tv stations on the computer would be to use a link from
companies that give access to online tv , either free or charge.
take care,
beamish.